Repeated sprint training in hypoxia and repeated long sprint ability in highly trained sprint runners

Repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) provides additional improvement in repeated “short” (<10-s) sprint ability compared to the same training in normoxia. Although team sports require to perform repeated “short” (<10-s) sprints during incomplete recovery situations, some sports (e.g., roadcycling) require repeated “longer” (>10-s) sprints during the race. However, evidence regarding the effect of RSH on repeated “longer” (>10-s) sprint ability is lacking. Ten highly trained sprint runners conducted six sessions of repeated sprint training (2-3 sets of 5 × 10-s cycle sprints) in hypoxia (HYP) or normoxia (NOR). Before (pre-) and after (post-) the training intervention, participants performed repeated “longer” (>10-s) sprint tests (5 × 100-m “all-out” sprints with 30-s recoveries) in normoxia. Running velocity and blood lactate concentrations were measured for repeated 100-m sprints. No significant difference was observed (p > .05) in repeated sprint ability between the pre- and posttests, independently training group. Blood lactate concentrations were significantly lower post-HYP than pre-HYP or post-NOR. This study revealed that RSH did not provide any additional training benefits for repeated “longer” (>10-s) sprints in highly trained participants compared to equivalent training in normoxia. However, RSH induced significantly lower blood lactate responses after repeated “longer” (>10-s) sprints.